2014 College World Series Finals Live Blog: Instant Reactions and Analysis

The University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University face off tonight at 8:00 ET for the first game of the College World Series Finals. Both teams are trying to win the College World Series for the first time in either school's history.

The Cavaliers come into Game 1 as the favorites, but they're carrying more than just the weight of their own school. They're also playing for the ACC, which hasn't won the College World Series since 1955, despite a tradition of great baseball in the conference.

Vanderbilt was pushed to the brink in the previous round by the University of Texas. The Longhorns forced the Commodores to play an extra game, and it took a walk-off infield single in the bottom of the 10th for Vanderbilt to advance.

Vanderbilt was forced to use ace Carson Fulmer (7-1, 2.00 ERA) in the second game against Texas, so they come into the College World Series already behind the eight ball. Vanderbilt decided to start Walker Buehler (12-2, 2.27 ERA), and Virginia started Nathan Kirby (9-2, 1.70 ERA).

Kirby was removed in the third inning after allowing eight runs, five of which were earned. Whit Mayberry came out of the bullpen for Virginia and allowed another run before finally getting the third out.

Jared Miller replaced Beuhler to start the bottom of the fourth inning for Vanderbilt. In his three inngings, Beuhler allowed five runs, all earned, on eight hits.

Vanderbilt wins 9-8 and takes a 1-0 lead in the College World Series Finals.